Australia releases new guidelines to protect trans gymnasts
Australia’s governing body over the sport of gymnastics, Gymnastics Australia, has just released new guidelines protecting transgender and gender-diverse athletes within their sport. Unlike other sporting organizations around the globe, who are currently making concerted efforts to alienate and exclude the trans community, Gymnastics Australia is stepping out and ruling in favor of its transgender and gender-diverse participants and competitors.
The new guidelines allow athletes to choose uniforms that align with their chosen gender identity, rather than whatever they were assigned at birth, and stress the idea of comfort while working and competing in Australian Gymnastics spaces.
Alexandra Ash, the CEO of Gymnastics Australia states that the organization is determined to “foster safe and inclusive environments” for those invested in the sport.
On the issue of bathrooms and change rooms, Gymnastics Australia says in its guidelines that individuals “have a right to use changing and bathroom facilities which best reflect their gender identity.”
The organization did state, however, that their jurisdiction over elite and sub-elite competitions is limited and the guidelines for those particular events are set by an international federation. They would, however, ensure that all community events and leagues would allow individuals to participate in the events that best reflect their gender identity.
A far cry from many of the sporting federations around the world right now, Gymnastics Australia’s opening statement of their new guidelines reads as follows:
“Gymnastics Australia is committed to providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all people, including those of diverse sexualities and genders. Being an inclusive organisation not only reflects our core values, it also reflects the diversity of our local communities.
The Gymnastics Australia Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Gymnastics (this document) have been developed to ensure all Australians can participate in both recreational and competitive gymnastics. We recognise that the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people within sport is a complex and emotive issue, and it is important to note that these guidelines are focused on creating and fostering inclusive environments.
We’re passionate about helping people lead happy, healthy and active lives. Gymnastics Australia celebrates diversity of sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, intersex status ability, skill, cultural background, ethnicity, location, religious or political beliefs, and life stage.
There is a place in our sport for everyone, exactly as you are.”
Watch this space as more information about this inclusive move unfolds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff!
